Psalm 110 is one of the “royal psalms” and is one of the most quoted psalms in the New Testament. In the gospels, Jesus used this psalm to declare both his humanity as the Son of David, the Messiah, and his deity as David’s Lord (Matthew 22:41-45). The New Testament clearly presents Jesus as both King (verses 1-3) and priest (verse 4). The book of Hebrews speaks often of Christ’s unique, eternal priesthood “after the order of Melchizedek” (beginning in chapter 5). As king he rules over his enemies in the spiritual realm now (Ephesians 1:21-22) and will come some day to “shatter [earthly] kings on the day of his wrath” (5) and execute judgment among the nations … over the wide earth” (6). This is in keeping with the “mighty scepter” King Jesus wields (2). I readily acknowledge the harsh language & stark battlefield images in verses 5 & 6. But they only enable me to get a true and realist picture of Jesus Christ and his royal right to rule and reign with a rod of iron over his rebellious, unyielding enemies (Psalm 2:9; Revelation 12:5; 19:15). One day Jesus Christ will perfectly execute the righteous wrath of Almighty God to the glory of God as warned in Revelation 6:16-17; 14:19 & 19:15). However, this same King is also a great high priest who not only rules over me as a benevolent king but also represents me to the Father as “a merciful & faithful high priest.” He has satisfied the righteous wrath of God when he suffered & died on the cross in my place for my sins and the sins of all his people. Because of this he is able to come to my aid whenever I am tempted (Hebrews 2:17-18). Jesus can sympathize with my weaknesses because he, too, was tempted in his suffering, yet without sinning (Hebrews 4:15). Because of Christ’s faithfulness and mercy, I can “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that [I] may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” today and everyday (Hebrews 4:16). I gladly bow the knee to this great and glorious King-Priest.
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